As a public servant, I have learned that serving the people requires more than taking a position. It requires the courage to ask difficult questions—even when those questions make us uncomfortable.
Today, our country is once again confronted with a deeply divisive political issue: the impeachment case involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
I do not hide the fact that I personally stand on the side of Sara Duterte. But my support should not exempt her from accountability, just as my disagreement with her should not automatically make every accusation against her true.
This is where I believe we, as Filipinos, need to pause.
Where Is the Evidence?
An impeachment proceeding is not supposed to be a contest of popularity.
It should not be decided by who has the louder supporters, the more powerful political machinery, or the most convincing social-media narrative.
It should ultimately come down to evidence.
If there are allegations of wrongdoing, let the evidence be presented.
If there are irregularities, let them be properly investigated.
If there are violations of law or the Constitution, let them be established according to the rules of evidence and due process.
And if the evidence does not establish an impeachable offense, then we must also have the courage to accept that conclusion.
That principle should apply regardless of whether the accused is Sara Duterte, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., or anyone else holding public office.
My Challenge to Every Filipino
I challenge every Filipino citizen:
Do not surrender your judgment to political personalities.
Do not believe something simply because it was posted by someone you support.
Do not reject something simply because it came from someone you dislike.
Ask:
What is the evidence?
Is the evidence authentic?
Is it corroborated?
Does it actually prove the allegation being made?
And most importantly:
What is the evidence?
Is the evidence authentic?
Is it corroborated?
Does it actually prove the allegation being made?
And most importantly:
Would I apply the same standard if the accused were a politician I personally support?
That last question may be the hardest one.
Our democracy becomes dangerous when justice depends on whose political camp we belong to.
A Challenge to Our Leaders
To our legislators, government officials, political leaders, religious leaders, educators, civil-society leaders, and other influential voices in our communities:
Please remember that your words carry consequences.
You have the power to educate the public—or to inflame it.
You can encourage citizens to examine evidence—or encourage them to hate political opponents.
You can strengthen our institutions—or weaken public confidence in them.
Political accountability is necessary in a democracy. But accountability must never become a substitute for due process.
If there is compelling evidence, present it.
If there is a legitimate defense, hear it.
If witnesses are called, examine their credibility.
If documents are presented, scrutinize their authenticity and relevance.
And when the proceedings are finished, accept the judgment according to law—even if the result is not the one you wanted.
I Am Not Asking You to Agree With Me
As a public servant, I don't believe my political preference gives me the right to demand that everyone think the same way I do.
I support Sara Duterte.
Others do not.
That is democracy.
But democracy cannot survive if disagreement automatically becomes hatred, and political opposition automatically becomes proof of guilt.
We must be capable of saying:
“I disagree with you, but I will still defend your right to due process.”
“I disagree with you, but I will still defend your right to due process.”
That is not weakness.
That is democratic maturity.
Let Us Protect Something Bigger Than Any Politician
Sara Duterte will not be Vice President forever.
Neither will any other politician.
Presidents will come and go. Senators will come and go. Political alliances will rise and fall.
But the institutions we leave behind will remain.
The Constitution will remain.
The courts will remain.
The legislature will remain.
And most importantly, the Filipino people will remain.
So my challenge is not simply about Sara Duterte.
It is about the kind of country we want to become.
Do we want a Philippines where accusations are enough to destroy someone's reputation?
Or do we want a Philippines where allegations are investigated, evidence is examined, rights are protected, and accountability is determined through established constitutional processes?
I know which kind of Philippines I want.
And regardless of political affiliation, I hope every Filipino will demand the same standard:
Evidence before judgment.
Truth before propaganda.
Due process before condemnation.
Accountability without political persecution.
And justice without political favoritism.
We may disagree about politicians.
But perhaps we can still agree on one thing:
The Philippines deserves better than blind loyalty from its citizens and blind power from its leaders.
Let us demand facts.
Let us demand accountability.
Let us demand fairness.
And above all, let us never allow our political differences to become greater than our responsibility to our country.
